The R2 Standard is the leading certification for electronics repair and reuse. As the housing body for R2, SERI maintains the R2 Standard, related documentation, guidance, and facilitates its ongoing development.

SERI works with partners throughout the lifecycle of electronic products to ensure that they are managed responsibly. SERI's programs focus on education, outreach, safety, and international development.

SERI offers a variety of educational and training opportunities for recyclers, as well as opportunities for auditors and consultants. These trainings focus on implementing the R2 Standard, realizing a return on the investment in certification, discussing relevant issues or challenges related to recycling practices, and other topics.

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There is a common acronym used in the repair and reuse of electronics – “BER.” It stands for “Beyond Economic Repair.” This means that the cost to test, repair, or otherwise refurbish the unit is estimated to be more expensive than the recoverable value from the refurbished device. The age and cosmetic condition of used electronics have a direct impact on determining whether the return on investment (ROI) will be worth the effort required to test or repair the device. (As does the cost of labor and other factors.)

Q. Occasionally our supplier sends us overstock product that is still in the original packaging. Do we have to test it before we resell it?

A. Product that is unopened and still in original packaging does not need to be tested prior to selling – unless the equipment is known to be recalled equipment. This is addressed in Provision 6 (e) of the Standard and clarified in the R2 Guidance Document:

Q. We only log test results for equipment that passes our testing. We do not log the test results of equipment that fails since it goes directly to our dismantling area to be broken down and sent to a downstream vendor for recycling. Are we required to log the testing records of failed equipment destined for end-of-life recycling?

There is a preliminary inspection method for LCD screens often referred to in the industry as a "flashlight test." This inspection determines if there is physical damage to the screen. An LED flashlight is pressed against the screen to shine light into the center and corners of the screen. Generally, a screen with a cracked or bleeding panel will "grab" the light, making a visible light trail along the crack. Screens that fail this flashlight inspection are not repairable and should be recycled. This procedure is a quick and effective first step in determining whether an LCD televisio

Cell Phones in the United States are easy to obtain, generally affordable with a one or two year contract, and are routinely upgraded. Consumers in many other parts of the world, however, do not have access to credit and must pay the full price for the hardware upfront. This makes used cell phones an affordable and attractive option for consumers in such markets. Affordability is particularly important in areas that

One of the strengths of the R2 Certification is that it allows opportunities for reusing electronic devices and components. That said, the R2 Standard has very strict requirements and limitations governing the sale of untested and non-working equipment and components.

Many R2 facilities have found eBay to be an instrumental tool for finding buyers for their used electronics. While this can be a good venue for selling parts and equipment that are classified as R2/Ready for Reuse or R2/Ready for Resale (meaning it has been tested and found working according to Provision 6 of the R2 Standard), it is generally not a practical venue for selling R2/Ready for Repair equipment and components.

New labeling requirements for reusable equipment were introduced in R2:2013 to strengthen the standard and offer safeguards for buyers of refurbished electronics. Provision 6 requires that all items for resale must clearly be labelled with one of three designations:

The R2 Standard is the leading certification for electronics repair and reuse. As the housing body for R2, SERI maintains the R2 Standard, related documentation, guidance, and facilitates its ongoing development.

SERI works with partners throughout the lifecycle of electronic products to ensure that they are managed responsibly. SERI's programs focus on education, outreach, safety, and international development.

SERI offers a variety of educational and training opportunities for recyclers, as well as opportunities for auditors and consultants. These trainings focus on implementing the R2 Standard, realizing a return on the investment in certification, discussing relevant issues or challenges related to recycling practices, and other topics.